I wasn't an English major. Outside of poetry, I did very poorly in English classes. I am also not what one would call "well read".
I am trying to not sound like a grammar snob or some kind of up-tight logophile. I tend to be more silly, relaxed and chill - I live very casually. My own writing is dripping with spelling and grammar errors - you'll likely find several in this very post.
However…I've been letting some grammar and speech issues get under my skin recently. Here are Two:
1. Null Anaphora
I had to look up the term. In my mind I was calling it "pronoun dropping" but that sounded way too cool, as if some one was walking in and "Droppin' some sick pronouns yo".
Here are some examples:
"been thinking about buying a new car"
"went to the store for some beer"
"hoping I get into XYZ college"
Look - don't get me wrong, sometimes in SUPER casual conversation, those can "work". They should be avoided in any kind of formal conversation or writing.
2. Meanwhile vs. Meantime
Apparently there is some debate on this subject. I will clearly restate that I have NO authority on this matter, but I nearly fell out of my chair when I heard a local news anchor start a sentence with "Meantime, at the rally in front of the Capitol…" as her segue between stories.
TLDR: if you want to get a job, keep a job, get a promotion, close a deal, or otherwise be successful in life, learn to write and speak clearly. I see null anaphora and other jaw dropping grammatical errors in résumés, emails, and corporate websites all the time.